![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/656016ad80e42801a1026b89/65c1ada0221d680733934c3d_1790x1270-sustainable-house-japanese-black-kitchen.webp)
Location & Brief
Northcote, Victoria
4 Bedrooms 2.5 Bathrooms 1 Living
Scope of Works
Architectural design
Interior Design
Build
Partners
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/656016ad80e42801a1026b89/65c1adb69f5954009f44ddf4_1320x1640-sustainable-house-japanese-bench-seat-living.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/656016ad80e42801a1026b89/65c1adbac12b0dd502c88df3_1320x1640-sustainable-house-japanese-black-kitchen.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/656016ad80e42801a1026b89/65c1add61c62026dd57da08d_2720x1800-sustainable-house-charred-timber-japanese-courtyard.webp)
7.5 Star NatHERS Rating
Kazoku celebrates family, nature, and low-impact living with a layout that wraps around a central courtyard, providing constant outdoor access despite facing a busy street. The U-shaped floor plan is based on passive solar design principles, optimising sun exposure and cross-ventilation. The home is inspired by Japanese architecture, with high-pitched roofs to enhance the sense of space, while the Noki-style eaves protect the interior from summer heat gain while allowing winter sunlight access. The high-pitched roofs are also designed for flexibility, with a habitable roof space that has the ability to adapt to the changing needs of the family to accommodate multi-generational living. A monochrome palette provides beauty through simplicity, while high quality finishes ensure longevity and durability.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/656016ad80e42801a1026b89/65c1ade27bdd8cc90c36ecf7_1790x1270-sustainable-house-minimalist-roof-loft.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/656016ad80e42801a1026b89/65c1b213605f1f7560d8bbe3_1320x1640-sustainable-house-japanese-charred-timber.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/656016ad80e42801a1026b89/65c1adfc98760074d59cb210_1320x1640-sustainable-house-japanese-minimalist-bedroom.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/656016ad80e42801a1026b89/65c1ae01c12b0dd502c8d036_1320x1640-sustainable-house-japanese-minimalist-black-kitchen.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/656016ad80e42801a1026b89/65c1ae2b221d68073393c04c_2720x1800-sustainable-house-japanese-minimalist-bathroom.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/656016ad80e42801a1026b89/65c1ae19cf2c0b23ff9d4966_1320x680-sustainable-house-minimalist-japanese-kitchen-black.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/656016ad80e42801a1026b89/65c1ae22981dd74a8d07f807_1320x680-sustainable-house-kitchen-black-appliance-cupboard.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/656016ad80e42801a1026b89/65c1ae0e1e51c4841d28876e_1320x1640-sustainable-house-minimalist-bathroom.webp)
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/656016ad80e42801a1026b89/65c1ae10c12b0dd502c8da97_1320x1640-sustainable-house-minimalist-bench-study.webp)
Homeowner
Kazoku
impact over its lifetime
Measured by auditing tool, eTool
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/656016ad80e42801a1026b3f/65c9b772128b8ce0c5db9826_Balloons%20100_71x2.jpg)
26,390,992
balloons of co2 gas removed from the atmosphere
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/656016ad80e42801a1026b3f/659b7e0b91a7b74d1e5ada10_Trees%20100_71x2.jpg)
4,272
Trees planted
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/656016ad80e42801a1026b3f/659b7e0b046a0c4cb51b4925_House%20100_71x2.jpg)
95
the amount of zero energy Australian homes for a year
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/656016ad80e42801a1026b3f/659b7e0bf80c9adfd2d7d43e_Cars%20100_71x2.jpg)
155
number of cars taken off the road
As a renovation project to an existing heritage home, it can sometimes be challenging to reach our carbon reduction targets. The existing house had a low energy rating due to lack of insulation and high performance glazing, while also being powered by a gas hot water system and heated by a gas-powered hydronic system.